JUJU is one of the most charming indie side-scrolling platformers that I’ve had the pleasure of playing all year. When the game came across my desk for review I never gave it much thought, but when I loaded it up everything changed and I was sucked in. JUJU is bright, colorful, and has enough charm to warm the heart of even the most hardcore gamer out there.
Taking the best elements from some of the best side-scrolling platforms of this generation JUJU manages to infuse just enough into it’s core to make it stand out. There is a fine line between ripping off the mechanics and using styling from another game and with using it to create something unique. It’s a fine line to walk considering every game is based on something prior.
JUJU will call to mind the great New Super Mario Bros Wii, but for those that have a wider Nintendo palette will see JUJU more closely resembling Donkey Kong Country Returns. This means that co-op stands out as the games biggest feature, but not in the way you might be used to.
Instead of just having drop-in/out multiplayer, JUJU places the co-op focus on the disparity of skill between two players that take part in the adventure. This sets up some amazing moments of being able to play the game as a parent with a younger child and both still having an amazing amount of fun.
This is taken a step further as the second player, Peyo has abilities tailored to those new to gaming. He is armed with a a tongue attack that makes combat much easier with the increased reach. Not only that, but Peyo has been programmed to be targeted less by the games large bosses. It’s rare for two players at different skill levels to enjoy a game at the same time, but JUJU really pushes the boundaries with this mechanic.
We are at a time in gaming where the generation that grew up playing video games from Nintendo on are now the parents of the next generation. Being someone nearing thirty, video games have always been a part of my life and sharing that experience with my future kids isn’t even a question. Unlike my parents who may have played the occasional game of Pac-Man or Pong, my generation has video games ingrained in us and being able to share that together is an exciting prospect. A prospect that without the indie scene and the likes of Nintendo wouldn’t be possible with the dark and gritty nature of games today.
Personal rant aside, JUJU does a number of things beyond just the innovative co-op. The game features 40 stages of gameplay over a number of creative worlds. Each world has a unique art style and the developers have done a good job of keeping the game feeling fresh by adding in new enemies, techniques, and stage mechanics along the way.
JUJU also offers something that isn’t seen much in may of today’s games. The game features nine huge bosses that will test your skill and have you using your noggin over straight out violence. With mid-world and end-world boss encounters you can expect a lot of content.
You’ll also have the opportunity to replay previous stages to earn new rewards and better your score. For those that want a little more challenge this is great as you can co-op together with someone and then go back to challenge yourself to earn more rewards. With a great deal of secret areas, a time challenge mode, and a special hardcore mode, JUJU offers a great deal of replay value.
Storywise the team have also kept things light and colorful. You play the title role of JUJU and are tasked with rescuing your father by collecting pieces of a magical rod to banish the evil Calypso. The game begins with a really fun cutscene explaining everything and looks to be something that will engage the young ones. The art style is so much fun that I’d gladly watch a television show based on these characters.
You’ll be hard pressed to find anything here to dislike. Sure, it may be a little on the easy side for those hardcore gamers among you, but you have to understand that this is a game targeted to a new and emerging segment of the market. If you are a fan of the latest Mario and Donkey King games then you are going to really love play JUJU. While the game never quite reaches the heights of the games its based on, JUJU offers enough to justify a purchase. What’s strange is that the game is currently only available on Steam (PC), Playstation 3, and Xbox 360. JUJU seems like the sort of game tailor-made for the Wii U and it’s fanbase.
Here’s to hoping it comes to the Wii U in the future or better yet, if Nintendo picks the game up and turns it into a long-lasting series.
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